Restrictions for Tamil civilians visiting Mannaar

[TamilNet, Thursday, 25 June 2009, 12:18 GMT]Tamil civilians visiting Mannar from other districts are being subjected to severe interrogation by the Sri Lanka Navy and police before being allowed to enter the town, according to sources in Mannaar. The vistors are being issued with passes after the scrutiny of their national identity cards. Buses coming from other districts are halted at Mannaar Fort checkpoint and passengers are subjected to search. However, permanent residents of Mannaar are allowed without restriction to enter or leave Mannaar, media reports said.

But residents of other districts have to undergo difficulties to prove their identity and the purpose of their visit to Mannaar. They are issued with special passes to stay in Mannaar, reports added.